Bulgaria shows ‘suicide bomber’ on CCTV

Israel, however, is sticking by its claim the attack was carried out by Iranian-backed Hezbollah, a Lebanese guerrilla group, and has threatened retaliation.

Seven people – five Israelis, the Bulgarian driver and the bomber – died in Wednesday’s blast.

No group claimed responsibility but Israel has attributed a series of attacks on its citizens around the world in recent months to Iran, threatening to escalate a shadow war between them.

“All signs point to Iran,” Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said. “This is an Iranian terror attack that is spreading across the world. Israel will react forcefully to Iran’s terror.”

Iran’s state TV called Israel’s claims “ridiculous” and “sensational”.

In Berlin, German foreign minister Guido Westerwelle urged the Israelis to show restraint until “the real perpetrators and backers” are found.

The attack occurred shortly after the Israelis boarded a bus outside the airport in the Black Sea resort of Burgas, a popular destination for Israelis.

Bulgarian television aired security camera footage showing the suspected bomber wandering in and out of the terminal shortly before the blast.

He was dressed as a tourist himself, wearing a baseball cap, T-shirt, checked shorts and trainers with short white socks. He carried a large backpack with wheels, as well as a smaller bag.

Officials were using DNA samples to try to establish his identity.

Bulgarian Prime Minister Boiko Borisov said a Michigan driver’s licence was retrieved, but American officials reported “there was no such person in their database”.

Israel said a military plane carrying 33 Israelis injured in the bombing had left Burgas for treatment in Israel.